Jerisha Grant-Hall Appointed as Executive Director of NACCA

Founder takes on new leadership role to deepen impact and build on legacy of Black-led, Black-serving community work in York Region

Newmarket, ON — The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is proud to announce the appointment of its Founder, Jerisha Grant-Hall, as the organization’s first Executive Director, effective immediately. A respected community leader, educator and advocate, Grant-Hall brings a decade of visionary leadership and a lifelong commitment to learning and justice to this pivotal new role which marks a transformative chapter in NACCA’s evolution.

Founded in 2018, NACCA’s growth has led to the opening of a community centre dedicated to uplifting African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities through culturally relevant programming, leadership and advocacy for equity, inclusion and belonging. Under Grant-Hall’s leadership as Chair, NACCA has established key programs in mental health, youth empowerment, food security, cultural celebration and educational access.

“This is more than a new title, it is a continuation of the work that began with a compelling call to action: to create a space where Black families in Newmarket and beyond could belong and be well,” said Jerisha Grant-Hall, Executive Director. “As Executive Director, I will deepen our partnerships, steward our growth and help create systems that ensure our work is sustainable, impactful and rooted in the values of Ubuntu and the Nguzo Saba.”

A product of the Jamaican district of Savanna-la-Mar and the granddaughter of innovators, producers and business leaders, Grant-Hall’s personal history informs her community-centered leadership. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in English from York University which grounds her work in the belief that education is a pathway to liberation and collective advancement. As a trained educator and communicator, she has spent her career cultivating spaces where people, especially Black youth, can learn, heal and lead.

She is also a driving force in York Region’s racial equity and inclusion efforts and her appointment comes at a time when NACCA is poised to expand its reach and solidify its role as a key voice in the regional nonprofit sector.

The transition to an Executive Director model reflects NACCA’s growth and its commitment to strong, sustainable organizational leadership. The Board of Directors, now newly elected and composed of experienced professionals in education, governance, law and community development, will continue to provide oversight and strategic direction.

“Jerisha’s dedication, vision and community roots make her the ideal leader for this next phase of NACCA’s journey,” said Michael Bowe, Board Chair and equity professional. “She has the rare ability to turn bold ideas into action and build meaningful relationships that strengthen the entire ecosystem of Black community work. Her leadership is not just strategic, it’s principled, grounded in justice and guided by love. With Jerisha at the helm, NACCA is positioned to scale its impact and become an even more powerful force for equity and transformation in York Region and beyond.”

NACCA remains committed to working in collaboration with schools, service agencies, cultural organizations and equity partners across York Region and Ontario to support Black communities in building a future where they not only survive, but flourish.

Grant-Hall holds a strong reputation for mobilizing community, advocating for systemic change and centreing the voices of those often unheard. Her leadership style is anchored in inclusion, collaboration and truth.
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Media and community members interested in learning more about Jerisha Grant-Hall or scheduling an interview are encouraged to contact [email protected].

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About NACCA:

The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) first began as an idea that Black communities must have access to resources and opportunities for advancement. On May 5, 2018, a group of community members came together to discuss how we could build a more inclusive and connected Newmarket community. One pivotal point in the discussion was around a concern for youth and how the organization can support a generational legacy of education, empowerment and unity that will foster pride in identity, culture and history for the people of African descent. We understood that there was also a need for rootedness and belonging and a firm understanding of the past so that we can step boldly into the future. We concluded that growth and sustainability meant building strength, partnerships and intercultural understanding.